Punk Rock Women Aren’t Dead – We’re Just in a Museum Now
The women of punk rock haven’t gone anywhere – we’re just in a museum now. That’s right, the world’s first punk rock museum is opening in Las Vegas in January, and it looks amazing. The Punk Rock Museum houses the world’s most expansive, inclusive, and intimate display of artifacts, fliers, photos, clothing, instruments, handwritten lyrics, artwork, and just about everything else donated by the people and bands who were there. And not only can you see all of this amazing stuff, but there’s also a guitar room where you can play the actual guitars and basses played through the amps the artists played them through.
So if you’re looking for an immersive experience that will take you back to the days of mosh pits and safety pins, this is the place for you. And if you’re a woman who loves punk rock, this is definitely the place for you. Because while punk may have started out as a boys’ club, it’s always been home to some badass women. Here are just a few of the women who made punk what it is today.
Patti Smith
Patti Smith is a poet, singer-songwriter, and artist who was an integral part of the New York City punk scene in the 1970s. She was signed to Arista Records in 1974 and released her debut album Horses the following year. The album received rave reviews from critics and is now considered one of the greatest debut albums of all time. Smith went on to release eight more studio albums throughout her career. In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry is best known as the lead singer of Blondie, one of the most successful bands to come out of the New York City punk scene. Blondie was formed in 1974 and quickly rose to prominence thanks to its unique blend of punk, pop, and disco. They released their self-titled debut album in 1976 and went on to release seven more studio albums before going on hiatus in 1982. In 1997, they reunited and have been touring and making new music ever since. In 2006, Harry was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award along with her bandmates.
Exene Cervenka
Exene Cervenka is a singer-songwriter who was one of the founders of X, one of Los Angeles’ most influential punk bands. X was formed in 1977 and released their debut album Los Angeles that same year. The album helped define West Coast punk and remains one of Cervenka’s favorite works to date. Throughout her career with X and as a solo artist, Cervenka has continued to push musical boundaries while remaining true to her DIY roots. In 1999, she was inducted into the Punk Hall of Fame along with her bandmates from X.
These are just a few of the many women who have made punk what it is today. If you’re interested in learning more about them or seeing some amazing artifacts from punk history, be sure to check out the Punk Rock Museum when it opens its doors in January.